Protien tubs?
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Northern Rancher
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They are convenient but expensive.
IL Rancher
Well-known member
I see them around a lot still. I have used them but I had a few problems. In the summer they would get so runny that the cows could lick off twice what they needed and in the witner it ook them forever to work on dwn. Have found a god mineral mixed wtih glten/distillers is much better and more even w ay to distribute protein and minerals.
Had a frend who used Purina producs.. Wasn't to found of them. Our local purina dealer stoppd carrying purina and switched to Kent a couple years back, claims to sell way more of their tub product vs when they sold for purina.. I said no thanks just the same. :wink:
Had a frend who used Purina producs.. Wasn't to found of them. Our local purina dealer stoppd carrying purina and switched to Kent a couple years back, claims to sell way more of their tub product vs when they sold for purina.. I said no thanks just the same. :wink:
Kato
Well-known member
We use Feedrite's tubs for calves that we buy from the auction mart.
We have a tub waiting in the pen, spotted between the hay feeder and the water bowl for them when they get off the truck. The calves just love it, and we are convinced that it gets them off to a better start. You'll see sick calves that have lost their appetites, and would otherwise be off feed standing over it, and licking like mad. It's like candy to them, and they will go to it before just about anything else. It seems to help them get going. Kind of like giving ice cream to a sick kid. :wink:
Once they are settled and on feed, we let them finish the tubs, and don't replace them.
We have a tub waiting in the pen, spotted between the hay feeder and the water bowl for them when they get off the truck. The calves just love it, and we are convinced that it gets them off to a better start. You'll see sick calves that have lost their appetites, and would otherwise be off feed standing over it, and licking like mad. It's like candy to them, and they will go to it before just about anything else. It seems to help them get going. Kind of like giving ice cream to a sick kid. :wink:
Once they are settled and on feed, we let them finish the tubs, and don't replace them.
Faster horses
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They are too expensive for what you get. About the best
that can be said for them is that they are convenient, if
you want to think you are doing something for your cattle
and you don't mind the cost.
I think Kato might be on to something, however.
Lots of tubs are full of junk, not nutrition. Molasses doesn't
contain much as far as nutrition goes.
that can be said for them is that they are convenient, if
you want to think you are doing something for your cattle
and you don't mind the cost.
I think Kato might be on to something, however.
Lots of tubs are full of junk, not nutrition. Molasses doesn't
contain much as far as nutrition goes.
That's a high price for convenience - $578.50/ton. Cottonseed cake (if it's available in your area) will give you more than two times the protein for less than half the money. If you really need a feed with a limiter, try a 3-to-1 cottonseed meal/salt or soybean meal/salt. Still all natural and a lot cheaper.
If you decide to try the tubs (or any liquid feed), start out with them a good distance away from your water and/or hay and move them closer until you get consumption where you want it. If you're intending to use them to make cows clean up dead grass, move them to areas that you need grazed down, keeping in mind that the closer the tubs are to water, the more they will consume.
If you decide to try the tubs (or any liquid feed), start out with them a good distance away from your water and/or hay and move them closer until you get consumption where you want it. If you're intending to use them to make cows clean up dead grass, move them to areas that you need grazed down, keeping in mind that the closer the tubs are to water, the more they will consume.
A
Anonymous
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Kato said:We use Feedrite's tubs for calves that we buy from the auction mart.
We have a tub waiting in the pen, spotted between the hay feeder and the water bowl for them when they get off the truck. The calves just love it, and we are convinced that it gets them off to a better start. You'll see sick calves that have lost their appetites, and would otherwise be off feed standing over it, and licking like mad. It's like candy to them, and they will go to it before just about anything else. It seems to help them get going. Kind of like giving ice cream to a sick kid. :wink:
Once they are settled and on feed, we let them finish the tubs, and don't replace them.
Kato- I did about the same thing this year with the replacement heifers when I weaned them-- Except I used a tub of some new "stress tub" that Smart Lic has out for weaning time....Don't even know whats in it except that it was supposed to be high in vitamins and minerals-- and that several folks I knew had already used it on their calves when they weaned with good results and convinced me to try it....Calves went to it when they wouldn't go to hay or grain... Bawl a while- then go lick on the tub...
Something worked because I never even had one have so much as a sniffle....
I noticed today the tub was empty-- so I filled it with a sack of Vigortone mineral-- and they were a licking away on that when I left them....
Big Muddy rancher
Well-known member
Oldtimer said:Kato said:We use Feedrite's tubs for calves that we buy from the auction mart.
We have a tub waiting in the pen, spotted between the hay feeder and the water bowl for them when they get off the truck. The calves just love it, and we are convinced that it gets them off to a better start. You'll see sick calves that have lost their appetites, and would otherwise be off feed standing over it, and licking like mad. It's like candy to them, and they will go to it before just about anything else. It seems to help them get going. Kind of like giving ice cream to a sick kid. :wink:
Once they are settled and on feed, we let them finish the tubs, and don't replace them.
Kato- I did about the same thing this year with the replacement heifers when I weaned them-- Except I used a tub of some new "stress tub" that Smart Lic has out for weaning time....Don't even know whats in it except that it was supposed to be high in vitamins and minerals-- and that several folks I knew had already used it on their calves when they weaned with good results and convinced me to try it....Calves went to it when they wouldn't go to hay or grain... Bawl a while- then go lick on the tub...
Something worked because I never even had one have so much as a sniffle....
I noticed today the tub was empty-- so I filled it with a sack of Vigortone mineral-- and they were a licking away on that when I left them....
Those new tubs were designed to "Stress" the pocket book. :wink:
A
Anonymous
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Big Muddy rancher said:Oldtimer said:Kato said:We use Feedrite's tubs for calves that we buy from the auction mart.
We have a tub waiting in the pen, spotted between the hay feeder and the water bowl for them when they get off the truck. The calves just love it, and we are convinced that it gets them off to a better start. You'll see sick calves that have lost their appetites, and would otherwise be off feed standing over it, and licking like mad. It's like candy to them, and they will go to it before just about anything else. It seems to help them get going. Kind of like giving ice cream to a sick kid. :wink:
Once they are settled and on feed, we let them finish the tubs, and don't replace them.
Kato- I did about the same thing this year with the replacement heifers when I weaned them-- Except I used a tub of some new "stress tub" that Smart Lic has out for weaning time....Don't even know whats in it except that it was supposed to be high in vitamins and minerals-- and that several folks I knew had already used it on their calves when they weaned with good results and convinced me to try it....Calves went to it when they wouldn't go to hay or grain... Bawl a while- then go lick on the tub...
Something worked because I never even had one have so much as a sniffle....
I noticed today the tub was empty-- so I filled it with a sack of Vigortone mineral-- and they were a licking away on that when I left them....
Those new tubs were designed to "Stress" the pocket book. :wink:
Big Muddy-- If you saw how good looking and sweet the young sales lady/rep is you'd be standing in the elevator ordering tons of the stuff to take care of your "stress"..... :wink: :lol: :lol:
Faster horses
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And then you have the strength to load them by hand, no doubt.
:lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :nod: :gag:
:lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :nod: :gag:
A
Anonymous
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Faster horses said:
Never did know who loaded them- I just stayed in the office talking with her- came out and they were loaded.... :wink: :lol:
I had a chance today to talk to a fellow that owns a local feedlot (10,000 head cap.)-- we got talking about these Smart Lic stress weaning tubs... He says this is the second year he has used them and definitely thinks they pay for themselves...He has them in the pens the newly weaned calves first go into-- the "peanut" calves pen, and the sick pens-- and he said he doesn't know what it is either, but like with my experience, they went right to licking them and then right to eating- and he had better luck with less sick calves.....
He also mentioned that he's not sure why- but both their lot and the other local lot has been seeing more of "brainers" this year- calves with somnus....But so far they've had pretty good luck treating them with an I.V. of vitamins and a shot of Excede in the ear......
Kato
Well-known member
I'm not sure how much you guys pay for these things, but they are about $90.00 here. We started 250 calves on two tubs. Well worth the money in our books.
Big Muddy rancher
Well-known member
Kato said:
I assume that those were 250 lb tubs? So they got 2lbs/hd. If they all ate it. Must be some great stuff in them.
What else do you feed those little calves that you have, Kato? How's that going for you?
I hear those small calves are under extreme pressure at the markets. They sold some in at Prince Albert for $200 a head last week. Hate to take advantage of someone else's bad fortune, but it does look like they need more bidders.
Here's some good info on tubs that doesn't include a good looking sales person.
http://www.ricecrc.org/reader/drtsuppfeeding/dai184.htm
I hear those small calves are under extreme pressure at the markets. They sold some in at Prince Albert for $200 a head last week. Hate to take advantage of someone else's bad fortune, but it does look like they need more bidders.
Here's some good info on tubs that doesn't include a good looking sales person.
http://www.ricecrc.org/reader/drtsuppfeeding/dai184.htm
the_jersey_lilly_2000
Well-known member
There's a recipe to make your own tubs.....and it has concrete in it!!!! :shock: I knew them tubs were hard, but I didnt know it was because it had concrete mixed in it.
Faster horses
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You are right on, alabama. There really is no comparison with the
nutrition in Forage Pro as compared to a molasses block. We sell
molasses block but at our meetings we always talk about how much
better the Forage Pro is. The drawback to Forage Pro is that it has
to be managed. You have to service the tubs a couple of times
a week. That's a big deal to some, not much of a deal to others.
But the nutrition in the product makes a big difference.
Also, our tubs do not contain mineral. There is no way to keep the
mineral dispersed in the tub, it settles in pockets. So to anyone
that uses tubs, I would recommend a low-phos free choice mineral
be accessible at all times.
At the Beef Cow Symposium held in Rapid City a few years ago,
I heard that a man stood up in the midst of the crowd, told what
molasses block company he worked for and said they go over to
St. Onge to the lumber mill and get sawdust for filler in those tubs.
You know dirt is protein. They can add dirt to UP the protein, but
what good is it? Just a number on the tag. Cows can't utilize
dirt. And that's where the problems come. I dealt with a molasses
tub company once for one of our customers. Talk about a scumbag outfit.
(I would never want to be a feed salesman. Too much double talk
goes on. Figured that out after an afternoon with their feed salesman.)
What finally happened
is that the customers cows were eating 5-6 lbs. of thier block
instead of what the tag said they would. The cows got loose. Too
much molasses upsets the ph in the rumen, among other things.
It wasn't good. We did get the company to pay the man the
difference between what they said they would eat and what they
actually did eat. I would never get involved in a deal like that
again. If you don't know the company, RUNNNNNNNNNNNN!!
Luckily, the rancher we dealt with was appreciative with how
we handled the situation. Those tubs were supposed to be 20% all
natural protein. They weren't. When we read the tag carefully,
there was ammonia in the product. Also chicken feathers. And
once the top was gone, the stuff inside was stringy. It was GROSS
I tell ya.
To be safe, buy what you can see. They can just do too many things
with processed feed.
I still think using them to get calves on feed is the best use of them. But
don't kid yourself that they are what is keeping the calves healthy.
It's not. That started before the calves were weaned.
Need I say, "Immune system"? :wink:
nutrition in Forage Pro as compared to a molasses block. We sell
molasses block but at our meetings we always talk about how much
better the Forage Pro is. The drawback to Forage Pro is that it has
to be managed. You have to service the tubs a couple of times
a week. That's a big deal to some, not much of a deal to others.
But the nutrition in the product makes a big difference.
Also, our tubs do not contain mineral. There is no way to keep the
mineral dispersed in the tub, it settles in pockets. So to anyone
that uses tubs, I would recommend a low-phos free choice mineral
be accessible at all times.
At the Beef Cow Symposium held in Rapid City a few years ago,
I heard that a man stood up in the midst of the crowd, told what
molasses block company he worked for and said they go over to
St. Onge to the lumber mill and get sawdust for filler in those tubs.
You know dirt is protein. They can add dirt to UP the protein, but
what good is it? Just a number on the tag. Cows can't utilize
dirt. And that's where the problems come. I dealt with a molasses
tub company once for one of our customers. Talk about a scumbag outfit.
(I would never want to be a feed salesman. Too much double talk
goes on. Figured that out after an afternoon with their feed salesman.)
What finally happened
is that the customers cows were eating 5-6 lbs. of thier block
instead of what the tag said they would. The cows got loose. Too
much molasses upsets the ph in the rumen, among other things.
It wasn't good. We did get the company to pay the man the
difference between what they said they would eat and what they
actually did eat. I would never get involved in a deal like that
again. If you don't know the company, RUNNNNNNNNNNNN!!
Luckily, the rancher we dealt with was appreciative with how
we handled the situation. Those tubs were supposed to be 20% all
natural protein. They weren't. When we read the tag carefully,
there was ammonia in the product. Also chicken feathers. And
once the top was gone, the stuff inside was stringy. It was GROSS
I tell ya.
To be safe, buy what you can see. They can just do too many things
with processed feed.
I still think using them to get calves on feed is the best use of them. But
don't kid yourself that they are what is keeping the calves healthy.
It's not. That started before the calves were weaned.
Need I say, "Immune system"? :wink:
Jason
Well-known member
I had never thought about weaning calves with them, but if that helps during the first week I think that is a great place for the tubs.
If a cow is suppose to eat 1 pound of 20% lick, that gives her .2 pounds of dietary protien. A dry cow needs what 1.8 ? You still have to feed her, but you have spent $o.36 of your budget already ($90/ 250 lbs).
Mixed hay at 10% protien at $60 a ton would take 18 pounds to give all 1.8 pounds of protien and cost $o.54
Will a cow stop at 18 pounds? Does it pay to cut her off at 16 so she needs the tub? If you do you short her for energy.
If a cow is suppose to eat 1 pound of 20% lick, that gives her .2 pounds of dietary protien. A dry cow needs what 1.8 ? You still have to feed her, but you have spent $o.36 of your budget already ($90/ 250 lbs).
Mixed hay at 10% protien at $60 a ton would take 18 pounds to give all 1.8 pounds of protien and cost $o.54
Will a cow stop at 18 pounds? Does it pay to cut her off at 16 so she needs the tub? If you do you short her for energy.
Faster horses
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Jason, don't forget to take the moisture out of those tubs and figure
the protein on a dry matter basis for comparison.
There is no way to buy any supplement that beats alfalfa hay
for cost or nutrition factor. We show this to folks over and over again.
Some ranches are set up differently and they get along just fine.
But pencil it out and you can feed up to 10 lbs of $100/ton alfalfa hay
and do a lot more good.
But who wants to pay $100 ton for hay? They'll go to the feed
store instead.
Just my observation.
This was analyzed and printed in the Western Beef Producer
a few years back. I saved it for reference. Very interesting.
$90/tub for two tubs doesn't sound bad. Start feeding them to
your cows, it won't take long to realize they are costing you
$720/ton. And they still need good pasture with the tubs.
Talk about marketing!
Another thing that drives me nuts, is the ads on these molasses
tubs say feeding them will make your pasture last longer. Now just
think about that a moment. The protein makes the rumen more
active so they can DIGEST more grass. Does this not mean they
eat more grass than without the supplement? Sure it does. And
if they don't eat enough they get thin. Marketing just amazes me.
the protein on a dry matter basis for comparison.
There is no way to buy any supplement that beats alfalfa hay
for cost or nutrition factor. We show this to folks over and over again.
Some ranches are set up differently and they get along just fine.
But pencil it out and you can feed up to 10 lbs of $100/ton alfalfa hay
and do a lot more good.
But who wants to pay $100 ton for hay? They'll go to the feed
store instead.
Just my observation.
This was analyzed and printed in the Western Beef Producer
a few years back. I saved it for reference. Very interesting.
$90/tub for two tubs doesn't sound bad. Start feeding them to
your cows, it won't take long to realize they are costing you
$720/ton. And they still need good pasture with the tubs.
Talk about marketing!
Another thing that drives me nuts, is the ads on these molasses
tubs say feeding them will make your pasture last longer. Now just
think about that a moment. The protein makes the rumen more
active so they can DIGEST more grass. Does this not mean they
eat more grass than without the supplement? Sure it does. And
if they don't eat enough they get thin. Marketing just amazes me.
Northern Rancher
Well-known member
Just think of the testimonials FH when your company branches out into viagratone-I'm thinking a few of those old boys down there have been licking the mineral hoping to put some shine in the haircoat they have left. Up north we just rely on wiold berries and creekwater lol.
